Unstimulated high-sensitive thyroglobulin is a powerful prognostic predictor in patients with thyroid cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Giovanella ◽  
Marco Castellana ◽  
Pierpaolo Trimboli
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Prognostic Performance ◽  
Clinical Scenarios ◽  
High Level ◽  
Operating Points

Abstract Background Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) has an excellent prognosis and the role of high-sensitive thyroglobulin measured during levothyroxine (ON-T4 hs-Tg) testing to discriminate patients with structural from not-evidence of disease (SED and NED, respectively) has been investigated. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the performance of ON-T4 hs-Tg in two clinical scenarios considering its negative predictive value (NPV) as primary outcome: (1) diagnostic performance of Tg when undetectable value and NED status are simultaneously demonstrated; (2) prognostic performance of undetectable Tg in predicting NED in the subsequent follow-up. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis were registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019125092). PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL and Web of Science were searched until February 12, 2019. Original articles reporting data on SED/NED in patients with detectable/undetectable ON-T4 hs-Tg were selected. Summary operating points were estimated using a random-effects model. Results Out of 1413 retrieved papers, 10 studies evaluating 1796 patients were included. Participants were outpatients diagnosed with DTC, treated with near-total (NTx) or total thyroidectomy (TTx) with or without radioactive iodine (RAI). The NPV of ON-T4 hs-Tg for diagnostic and prognostic performance was 99.4% (95% CI 98.9–99.9; I2 = 13%) and 99.4% (95% CI 98.8–100; I2 = 0%), respectively. Conclusions Our findings show that ON-T4 hs-Tg is an excellent diagnostic tool and prognostic factor to rule-out SED. A high level of evidence is provided to decrease the intensity and frequency of follow-up in those DTC patients having undetectable high-sensitive Tg.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational evidence for the use of bailout self-expandable stents following failed anterior circulation stroke thrombectomy

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 675-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Wareham ◽  
Richard Flood ◽  
Kevin Phan ◽  
Robert Crossley ◽  
Alex Mortimer
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Rescue Therapy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Technical Failure ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Stent Deployment ◽  
Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage

BackgroundThe crucial role of thrombectomy in the management of emergent large vessel occlusive stroke is not disputed but there is a technical failure rate in a significant minority of patients whose outcomes are often poor. Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of permanent self-expandable stent deployment as a bailout procedure in cases of failed anterior circulation thrombectomy.MethodsTwo independent reviewers searched the Pubmed (Medline) database for studies reporting outcomes following failed endovascular thrombectomy with subsequent rescue therapy employing self-expandable stents.ResultsEight studies (one prospective, seven retrospective) originating from Europe, Asia, and America comprising 160 patients met the inclusion criteria. Estimated baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 17.1 (95% CI 15.7 to 18.4). Following failed thrombetcomy and stent deployment, the rate of favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) was 43% (95% CI 34% to 53%). Pooled mortality was 21% (95% CI 13% to 33%). Successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b–3 or Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 2–3) was 71% (95% CI 63% to 77%). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was seen in 12% (95% CI 7% to 18%). The Solitaire stent (Medtronic) was the most commonly deployed stent following failed thrombectomy attempts (66%; 95% CI 31% to 89%). Pre- or post-stent angioplasty was performed in 39%of patients (95% CI 29% to 48%). Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used in 89% (95% CI 71% to 97%). 95% of patients received postprocedural antiplatelet therapy.ConclusionA rescue stent procedure seems reasonable as a last resort following failed thrombectomy but currently the level of evidence is limited. Prospective registries may aid in guiding future recommendations.

scholarly journals The Use of a Synthetic Cartilage Implant for Hallux Rigidus

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0045
Author(s):  
Niall Smyth ◽  
Jonathan Kaplan ◽  
Amiethab Aiyer
Keyword(s):  
Polyvinyl Alcohol ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hallux Rigidus ◽  
Reference List ◽  
Great Toe ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
High Level ◽  
Ability Measure

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Hallux rigidus is one of the most common pathologies afflicting the foot. Various joint salvage techniques have been described with a multitude of different implants. Recently, a synthetic cartilage implant composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) received FDA premarket approval for treatment of arthritis of the great toe and has been used in over 4,000 cases. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the clinical evidence supporting the use of a PVA implant in hallux rigidus. Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Using the terms “cartiva OR polyvinyl alcohol OR synthetic cartilage OR hemiarthroplasty AND hallux rigidus OR great toe arthritis OR first toe arthritis “ we searched the PubMed/Medline database in December 2017. In addition, the reference list of publications were scanned for further relevant studies. Results: 4 studies met the inclusion criteria, all of which were derived from a single randomized controlled trial. At short-term follow-up (2 years), patients undergoing placement of a PVA implant had significant improvement in Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) sports and activity of daily living, as well as VAS pain scores. The outcomes of the surgery were found to be noninferior compared to arthrodesis. At intermediate follow-up (5 years), the improvement in clinical outcomes persisted and implant survivorship was 96%. Conclusion: There are limited studies available detailing the outcomes of a PVA implant for hallux rigidus, however the results that are available demonstrate a high level of evidence. There are no long-term publications assessing the outcomes of a PVA implant for hallux rigidus.

scholarly journals Prognostic Role of Tissue and Circulating MicroRNA-200c in Malignant Tumors: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 1188-1200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingjie Shao ◽  
Yiting Geng ◽  
Wendong Gu ◽  
Jin Huang ◽  
Honglei Pei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Circulating Microrna ◽  
Prognostic Role ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
High Level

Background: Recently, many studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNA) exhibit altered expression in various cancers and may serve as prognostic biomarkers. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic role of miR-200c expression in different cancers. Methods: Studies were recruited by searching PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library (last search update was May 2014) and assessed by further quality evaluation. Results: A total of 25 studies dealing with various carcinomas were identified for systematic review. Among them, 18 studies were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. Our results indicated that the expression of tissue miR-200c was not associated with OS and PFS in various carcinomas; however, downregulation of tissue miR-200c did predict poor OS of patients with stage I disease (HR=0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.68, P=0.001). Furthermore, overexpression of blood miR-200c was significantly related to poor OS and PFS (HR=3.07 95% CI 1.58-5.96 P=0.001, HR=2.26 95% CI 1.66-3.08 P<0.001, respectively), especially in patients with advanced disease. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis clarified that low expression of miR-200c in primary tissue was significantly associated with poor survival in cancer patients at early stage, whereas a high level of blood miR-200c predicted poor prognosis in patients with advanced tumors.

scholarly journals Arthroscopic primary repair of proximal anterior cruciate ligament tears seems safe but higher level of evidence is needed: a systematic review and meta-analysis of recent literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 1946-1957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelle P. van der List ◽  
Harmen D. Vermeijden ◽  
Inger N. Sierevelt ◽  
Gregory S. DiFelice ◽  
Arthur van Noort ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Primary Repair ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Outcome Scores ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Abstract Purpose To assess the outcomes of the various techniques of primary repair of proximal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the recent literature using a systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods PRISMA guidelines were followed. All studies reporting outcomes of arthroscopic primary repair of proximal ACL tears using primary repair, repair with static (suture) augmentation and dynamic augmentation between January 2014 and July 2019 in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane were identified and included. Primary outcomes were failure rates and reoperation rates, and secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcome scores. Results A total of 13 studies and 1,101 patients (mean age 31 years, mean follow-up 2.1 years, 60% male) were included. Nearly all studies were retrospective studies without a control group and only one randomized study was identified. Grade of recommendation for primary repair was weak. There were 9 out of 74 failures following primary repair (10%), 6 out of 69 following repair with static augmentation (7%) and 106 out of 958 following dynamic augmentation (11%). Repair with dynamic augmentation had more reoperations (99; 10%), and more hardware removal (255; 29%) compared to the other procedures. All functional outcome scores were > 85% of maximum scores. Conclusions This systematic review with meta-analysis found that the different techniques of primary repair are safe with failure rates of 7–11%, no complications and functional outcome scores of > 85% of maximum scores. There was a high risk of bias and follow-up was short with 2.1 years. Prospective studies comparing the outcomes to ACL reconstruction with sufficient follow-up are needed prior to widespread implementation. Level of evidence IV.

scholarly journals Platelet-Rich Plasma Augmentation to Microfracture Provides a Limited Benefit for the Treatment of Cartilage Lesions: A Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 232596712091050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Boffa ◽  
Davide Previtali ◽  
Sante Alessandro Altamura ◽  
Stefano Zaffagnini ◽  
Christian Candrian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Comparative Studies ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cartilage Lesions

Background: Microfracture is the most common first-line option for the treatment of small chondral lesions, although increasing evidence shows that the clinical benefit of microfracture decreases over time. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been suggested as an effective biological augmentation to improve clinical outcomes after microfracture. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical evidence regarding the application of PRP, documenting safety and efficacy of this augmentation technique to improve microfracture for the treatment of cartilage lesions. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A systematic review was performed in PubMed, EBSCOhost database, and the Cochrane Library to identify comparative studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of PRP augmentation to microfracture. A meta-analysis was performed on articles that reported results for visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. Risk of bias was documented through use of the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias 2.0 and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions assessment tools. The quality assessment was performed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. Results: A total of 7 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis: 4 randomized controlled trials, 2 prospective comparative studies, and 1 retrospective comparative study, for a total of 234 patients. Of the 7 studies included, 4 studies evaluated the effects of PRP treatment in the knee, and 3 studies evaluated effects in the ankle. The analysis of all scores showed a difference favoring PRP treatment in knees (VAS, P = .002 and P < .001 at 12 and 24 months, respectively; IKDC, P < .001 at both follow-up points) and ankles (both VAS and AOFAS, P < .001 at 12 months). The improvement offered by PRP did not reach the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Conclusion: PRP provided an improvement to microfracture in knees and ankles at short-term follow-up. However, this improvement did not reach the MCID, and thus it was not clinically perceivable by the patients. Moreover, the overall low evidence and the paucity of high-level studies indicate further research is needed to confirm the potential of PRP augmentation to microfracture for the treatment of cartilage lesions.

scholarly journals Antenatal corticosteroids for impending late preterm (34-36+6 weeks) deliveries—A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248774
Author(s):  
Mangesh Deshmukh ◽  
Sanjay Patole
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Neonatal Resuscitation ◽  
Late Preterm ◽  
Respiratory Support ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Antenatal Corticosteroids ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽  
Level Of Evidence

Background Administration of antenatal corticosteroids (ANC) for impending preterm delivery beyond 34 weeks of gestation continues to be a controversial issue despite various guidelines for obstetricians and gynaecologists. Objective To compare outcomes following exposure to ANC for infants born between 34–36+6 weeks’ gestation. Methods A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCT) reporting neonatal outcomes after ANC exposure between 34–36+6 weeks’ gestation using Cochrane methodology. Databases including PubMed, Embase, Emcare, Cochrane Central library and Google Scholar were searched in May 2020. Primary outcomes: (1) Need for respiratory support (Mechanical ventilation, CPAP, high flow) or oxygen (2) Hypoglycemia. Secondary outcomes included respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnoea of newborn (TTN), need for neonatal resuscitation at birth [only in the delivery room immediately after birth (not in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)], admission to NICU, mortality and developmental follow up. Level of evidence (LOE) was summarised by GRADE guidelines. Main results Seven RCTs (N = 4144) with low to high risk of bias were included. Only one RCT was from high income countries, Meta-analysis (random-effects model) showed (1) reduced need for respiratory support [5 RCTs (N = 3844); RR = 0.68 (0.47–0.98), p = 0.04; I2 = 55%; LOE: Moderate] and (2) higher risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia [4 RCTs (N = 3604); RR = 1.61(1.38–1.87), p<0.00001; I2 = 0%; LOE: High] after ANC exposure. Neonates exposed to ANC had reduced need for resuscitation at birth. The incidence of RDS, TTN and surfactant therapy did not differ significantly. None of the included studies reported long-term developmental follow up. Conclusions Moderate quality evidence indicates that ANC exposure reduced need for respiratory support, and increased the risk of hypoglycaemia in late preterm neonates. Large definitive trials with adequate follow up for neurodevelopmental outcomes are required to assess benefits and risks of ANC in this population.

scholarly journals Operative Treatment of Isolated Meniscus Injuries in Adolescent Patients: A Meta-Analysis and Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina M. Mosich ◽  
Virginia Lieu ◽  
Edward Ebramzadeh ◽  
Jennifer J. Beck
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Operative Treatment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Meniscus Repair ◽  
Meniscal Tears ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Adolescent Population ◽  
Meniscus Tears ◽  
Adolescent Patients

Context: With the rise in sports participation and increased athleticism in the adolescent population, there is an ever-growing need to better understand adolescent meniscus pathology and treatment. Objective: To better understand the operative management of meniscus tears in the adolescent population. Data Sources: A systematic review of PubMed (MEDLINE) and Google Scholar was performed for all archived years. Study Selection: Studies that reported on isolated meniscus tears in adolescent patients (age, 10-19 years) were included. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Data Extraction: Two authors reviewed and extracted data from studies that fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Results: Nine studies on isolated meniscus tears in adolescent patients were found, with level of evidence ranging from 3 to 4. These studies evaluated a total of 373 patients (248 males, 125 females) and 390 knees. Seven studies were published between 1979 and 2000, all of which discuss meniscectomy as the primary treatment. Two studies were published after 2000 and report on meniscus repair surgery. The mean patient age was 14.4 years. A total of 308 meniscectomies and 64 meniscus repairs were performed. Follow-up ranged from 1.8 to 30 years (mean, 10.8 years). A 37% retear rate was reported for patients undergoing meniscus repair. Different outcome measures were used for meniscectomy versus meniscus repair. Three studies evaluating meniscectomy reported Tapper-Hoover scores, showing 54 patients with an excellent result, 58 with good, 57 with fair, and 23 with poor results. Conclusion: A shift in the management of isolated adolescent meniscal tears is reflected in the literature, with a recent increase in operative repair. This is likely secondary to poor outcomes after meniscectomy reflected in long-term follow-up studies. The current literature highlights the need for improved description of tear patterns, standardized reporting of outcome measures, and improved study methodologies to help guide orthopaedic surgeons on operative treatment of meniscal tears in adolescent patients.

scholarly journals Lateral retinacular release combined with MPFL reconstruction for patellofemoral instability: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filippo Migliorini ◽  
Nicola Maffulli ◽  
Jörg Eschweiler ◽  
Valentin Quack ◽  
Markus Tingart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Patellofemoral Instability ◽  
Mpfl Reconstruction ◽  
Lateral Release ◽  
Lateral Retinacular Release ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Lateral Retinaculum ◽  
Reporting Data

Abstract Introduction The role of the lateral retinaculum in patellofemoral instability is still debated. Lateral retinacular release (LRR), has been extensively performed in combination with different surgical procedures, including reconstruction of medio-patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Despite controversial indications, the results from these studies seem promising. The present study conducts a systematic review about current biomechanical and clinical evidence concerning the role of LRR in combination with MPFL reconstruction. We performed a comprehensive literature research, comparing the outcomes of MPFL reconstruction with and without LRR. Materials and methods This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed in August 2020. All articles describing the outcome of isolated MPFL reconstruction alone or in combination with a LRR in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability were considered for inclusion. Only articles reporting data on patients with a minimum of 12-month follow-up were included. Only articles reporting quantitative data under the outcomes of interest were included. Results A total of 63 articles were eligible for this systematic review, including 2131 knees. The mean follow-up was 40.87 ± 24.1 months. All scores of interests improved in favour of the combined group: Kujala + 3.8% (P = 0.01), Lysholm + 4.2% (P = 0.004), Tegner + 0.8 points (P = 0.04), IKDC + 9.8% (P = 0.02). The ROM was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.4). Similarity was found in terms of positivity to the apprehension test (P = 0.05), rate of complications (P = 0.1), re-dislocations (P = 0.8), and revision surgeries (P = 0.1). Conclusion There is no evidence that adding a lateral release impacts positively on the outcome of MPFL reconstruction. Level of evidence: IV, Systematic review

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document